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Typical wire gauge to switches/lights/etc? Also, alternator?
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   Forward Look NON-Technical Discussions -> 1955-1961 Forward Look MoPar General DiscussionMessage format
 
ViperMan
Posted 2017-11-07 8:50 AM (#551776)
Subject: Typical wire gauge to switches/lights/etc? Also, alternator?


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Hey folks,

So a bit more poking around under the hood of my '56 has lead me to determine that she simply needs a thorough rewiring job. I've done this kind of thing before so I'm no stranger to it, but I want to make sure I'm using the right stuff.

I'm not looking to replicate the cloth-wrapped look of the original wiring - that stuff traps moisture, grease, etc, and simply isn't safe by today's standards. So I'm going to use modern wire, but I'm just not sure what gauge to use for the typical circuits - headlight switch to headlights, cigarette lighter, dash indicators, etc.

I'm going to use low-gauge stuff (4-10) for things like the starter, solenoid, ammeter, etc, and will piece that out as I need it, but for the 14-18 range I'm going to buy some spools in different colors to simply have on hand.

Also, quick second question: has anyone upgraded the generator to a modern alternator, and any suggestions on what to buy and how to wire it in? As I'm eventually planning to add air ride, a modern stereo, etc, I need to make sure I'm producing plenty of amperage.

Thanks!
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finsruskw
Posted 2017-11-07 8:59 AM (#551778 - in reply to #551776)
Subject: RE: Typical wire gauge to switches/lights/etc? Also, alternator?


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Consult the wire schematic in the FSM
All that info is in there along w/the color wires for each.
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ViperMan
Posted 2017-11-07 10:11 AM (#551782 - in reply to #551778)
Subject: RE: Typical wire gauge to switches/lights/etc? Also, alternator?


Regular

Posts: 53
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finsruskw - 2017-11-07 8:59 AM

Consult the wire schematic in the FSM
All that info is in there along w/the color wires for each.


My apologies - I probably should have dug around here a bit more before posting. What is the "FSM", if I may ask? Is that here on the site?

Thanks.
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56D500boy
Posted 2017-11-07 11:36 AM (#551785 - in reply to #551782)
Subject: RE: Typical wire gauge to switches/lights/etc? Also, alternator?



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ViperMan - 2017-11-07 10:11 AM My apologies - I probably should have dug around here a bit more before posting. What is the "FSM", if I may ask? Is that here on the site?
Thanks.


Factory Service Manual. You didn't say which 56.

I just checked the 56 Plymouth FSM pdf that I downloaded some time ago. Wire sizes vary. Lots of 14 and 16 gauge. Some 18 gauge. All marked on the diagram with the colours.

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56D500boy
Posted 2017-11-07 12:30 PM (#551786 - in reply to #551785)
Subject: RE: Typical wire gauge to switches/lights/etc? Also, alternator?



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Just found this 56 Dodge diagram that I posted awhile ago - it shows example wire sizes:

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ViperMan
Posted 2017-11-07 4:30 PM (#551809 - in reply to #551785)
Subject: RE: Typical wire gauge to switches/lights/etc? Also, alternator?


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56D500boy - 2017-11-07 11:36 AM

ViperMan - 2017-11-07 10:11 AM My apologies - I probably should have dug around here a bit more before posting. What is the "FSM", if I may ask? Is that here on the site?
Thanks.


Factory Service Manual.
:)


HAH - duh... Thanks for the info.
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ViperMan
Posted 2017-11-09 11:33 AM (#551913 - in reply to #551776)
Subject: Re: Typical wire gauge to switches/lights/etc? Also, alternator?


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Any help with the alternator, by the way? I read that I can basically just drop in a newer alternator - was going to go with something from a 70's or 80's car perhaps - and then just need to find/fab a bracket. Any advice?
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57chizler
Posted 2017-11-09 3:28 PM (#551925 - in reply to #551913)
Subject: Re: Typical wire gauge to switches/lights/etc? Also, alternator?



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Depends on the amp rating of the alternator, for factory 37-46 amp alternators 10-12 gauge is sufficient but for aftermarket high output units match the wire gauge top the output.
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ViperMan
Posted 2017-11-13 11:53 AM (#552149 - in reply to #551925)
Subject: Re: Typical wire gauge to switches/lights/etc? Also, alternator?


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57chizler - 2017-11-09 3:28 PM


Depends on the amp rating of the alternator, for factory 37-46 amp alternators 10-12 gauge is sufficient but for aftermarket high output units match the wire gauge top the output.


Oh I was definitely going to run high-gauge alternator wire. What I'm trying to determine is what's the best way to upgrade to a modern, high-output alternator. Just looking for some tips.
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57chizler
Posted 2017-11-13 5:01 PM (#552178 - in reply to #552149)
Subject: Re: Typical wire gauge to switches/lights/etc? Also, alternator?



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I'm running one of these with a #6 wire directly to the battery cable.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/GM-Chrome-Universal-100-Amp-1-Wire-Internal...



(Alternator (Small).JPG)



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Attachments Alternator (Small).JPG (161KB - 147 downloads)
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